Director, Tax

Zenas is a clinical-stage global biopharmaceutical company committed to becoming a leader in the development and commercialization of transformative therapies for patients with autoimmune diseases. Our core business strategy combines our experienced leadership team with a disciplined product candidate acquisition approach to identify, acquire and develop product candidates globally that we believe can provide superior clinical benefits to patients living with autoimmune diseases. Zenas is advancing two late-stage, potential franchise molecules, obexelimab and orelabrutinib. Obexelimab, Zenas’ lead product candidate, is a bifunctional monoclonal antibody designed to bind both CD19 and FcγRIIb, which are broadly present across B cell lineage, to inhibit the activity of cells that are implicated in many autoimmune diseases without depleting them. We believe that obexelimab’s unique mechanism of action and self-administered, subcutaneous injection regimen may broadly and effectively address the pathogenic role of B cell lineage in chronic autoimmune disease. Orelabrutinib is a potentially best-in-class, highly selective CNS-penetrant, oral, small molecule Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase (BTK) inhibitor with the potential to address compartmentalized inflammation and disease progression in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Zenas’ earlier stage programs include ZB021, a clinical-stage, potentially best-in-class, oral, IL-17AA/AF inhibitor; ZB022, a preclinical, potentially best-in-class, oral, brain-penetrant, TYK2 inhibitor; and ZB014, a preclinical half-life extended anti-CD-19 and FcγRIIb monoclonal antibody.

We are seeking top talent who share our commitment to patients and have a track record of success in acquiring, developing and commercializing products across the globe. Our colleagues have an opportunity to engage in a fast-paced learning environment and experience individual and organizational success as we work towards becoming a global immunology and autoimmune disease leader, while living our values of Transparency, Relationships, Urgency, Excellence and Innovation – TRUE Innovation !

Position Summary:

The Director, Tax is a highly visible individual contributor and the Company’s subject matter expert for tax and treasury. The Director owns the global tax function, including provision, compliance, transfer pricing, indirect tax, and planning, working with external tax advisors. The Director, Tax will initially manage day-to-day treasury responsibilities, including cash, investments, and the Company’s debt and royalty financing arrangements. The Director is hands-on and accountable for establishing and executing tax and treasury policies and procedures, directing the work of external advisors and service providers. The Director will partner with Finance, Legal, executive leadership, external advisors, auditors, and lenders to manage risk and support the Company’s growth from clinical to commercial stage.

Key Responsibilities:

- Develop and execute global tax planning strategy aligned with company objectives, including effective tax rate and cash tax forecasting and tracking of NOLs and other tax attributes.

- Oversee preparation and review of the quarterly and annual income tax provision under ASC 740, including uncertain tax positions, valuation allowances, and Form 10-K and 10-Q disclosures.

- Oversee preparation and timely filing of federal, state, and international income tax returns including review and approval of returns and payments, and lead tax audits.

- Manage, and hold accountable the external tax advisors, including definition of scope of work, oversight of deliverables, budgets, deadlines, and quality of work.

- Own transfer pricing and intercompany policies, oversee the related documentation, and support international expansion, entity formation, and cross-border licensing structures.

- Manage the R&D tax credit and Section 174 analyses with R&D, Finance, and external advisors.

- Oversee indirect tax compliance (VAT, sales and use) and coordinate property and employment tax compliance with external providers and Payroll.

- Monitor tax law changes and advise on the tax implications of business development, licensing, and financing transactions, including the term loan, convertible notes, and synthetic royalty obligation.

- Administer the term loan, convertible notes, and synthetic royalty obligation, including payment calculations, covenant compliance, lender reporting, and related accounting and disclosures.

- Initially manage day-to-day treasury operations, including cash management, forecasting, liquidity planning, banking relationships, and foreign currency exposure.

- Manage the investment portfolio in accordance with the investment policy, emphasizing capital preservation and liquidity.

- Maintain SOX 404 controls and documentation for tax and treasury, drive automation and process improvements, and escalate significant issues to the VP Finance & Corporate Controller.

Qualifications:

Required:

- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, and a CPA or advanced degree in taxation.

- Minimum of 10 years of progressive corporate tax experience in public accounting and/or industry, including at least 5 years of public company ASC 740 provision experience and the ability to review and challenge advisor-prepared provisions and returns.

- Strong knowledge of U.S. federal, state, and international income tax, including transfer pricing, R&D credits, and the tax treatment of debt, convertible, and royalty financing instruments.

- Working knowledge of treasury operations, including cash forecasting, investment management, and debt administration.

- Strong knowledge of U.S. GAAP, SEC reporting, and SOX controls, plus proficiency with an ERP system (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, or Oracle) and advanced Excel.

- Proven ability to work independently as an individual contributor, managing external advisors and multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment and adapting quickly as the Company moves from clinical to commercial stage.

- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to influence without authority and to explain complex tax positions to senior leaders and auditors.

Preferred:

- Biotech, pharma, or life sciences experience, particularly the transition from clinical to commercial stage.

- Big 4 or national firm experience with life sciences clients.

- Experience with convertible notes, term loans, royalty financings, or cross-border licensing.

- Experience building tax and treasury processes at an emerging company, including automation and analytics.

The position is eligible for a competitive compensation and benefits package.

Zenas is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The base salary pay range for this role is $188,000 to $235,000. Actual compensation packages will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to depth of experience, education, skillset, overall performance and/or location.

Zenas believes in providing a competitive compensation and benefits package to all employees. Our base salary is just one component of Zenas’ competitive total rewards strategy that also includes annual performance bonus, equity, full range of benefits and other incentive compensation plans.

Zenas BioPharma is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an environment where diversity is valued. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on merit, qualifications and the needs of the business.